Minutes of December 11, 2003: MOVED TO APPROVE MINUTES AS DISTRIBUTED; MS KNOX SECONDED, AND MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

New Business:

Granville Mill, 400 South Main Street - Front setback

Mr. Strayer said the applicant wishes a variance to site an addition 38' into the setback, which already encroaches 6' into the 100' TCOD setback. They wish to add a room and overhang onto the building. It will be 40' wide and 126' long or 136' with the 10' wide porch. The Lumber Company and the old station are well within the setback, and the gas station and thrift shop are farther back. Ms. Lucier asked whether the mill owned the car wash and whether the deteriorating structure could be moved back and was told that the Mill rents to the car wash people in a long-term lease. She was also concerned about trucks crossing the bike path. Mr. Watts said they have an easement to access their former building across the tracks. They put up the fence to prevent cars from crossing the bike path.Mr. Tyler asked whether the new roofline would be taller and Mr. Watts said it will be taller at the peak. Mr. Watts said there would be no parking in front and it will be landscaped with grass and sidewalks.Mr. Heim asked why couldn't the plan be for a smaller structure to be closer within the code. It was already there so they are limited in the direction they can go in the overlay district. If they expand either way, they will hinder access by trucks. Mr. Strayer said they are limited by the rear of the structure. Mr. Watts said they are limited in what they can sell in their store and wish to have a larger salesroom. Mr. Strayer said yes, they could have reduced the scope of the plan but their needs for the business would not be fulfilled. They are already in the setback. There is a sign on the building and maybe they will install a monument sign later Ms. Lucier would be inclined to vote for the setback variance, but feels they could have designed the plan with a different awning. Mr. Strayer said the awning would be up to the GPC.

MS. KNOX MOVED TO APPROVE APPLICATION 04-025 FOR SETBACK VARIANCE FOR THE MILL AS PRESENTED. MS. LUCIER SECONDED, AND IT WAS UANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

A. That special circumstances or conditions exist which are peculiar to the land or structure(s) involved and which are not applicable to other lands or structures in the same zoning district. N/AB. That a literal interpretation of the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance would deprive the applicants of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same zoning district under the provisions of this Ordinance. The businesses on the west side of Main Street enjoy setbacks smaller than the proposed setback. In one instance, the entire frontage of the business is only a few feet from the back of the sidewalkC. That the special conditions and circumstances do not result from the actions of the applicant. N/AD. That the granting the variance will not confer on the applicant any undue privilege that is denied by this Ordinance to other lands or structures in the same zoning district. This action could anticipate others to do the same.E. That the granting of the variance will in no other manner adversely affect the health, safety, and general welfare of the persons residing or working within the posed variance. It would not do so.

MS. KNOX MOVED TO APPROVE THE FINDING OF FACT FOR 04-025 BASED ON B AND E OF THE CRITERIA. MR. DEAN SECONDED, AND MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Mr. Strayer said the goals are to demolish the Pyle house and move the Sinnett House to that location so they can expand the library. The side yard setback is 0' in order to put the building as close as they can to add a driveway. Currently the code states a minimum of 10' side setback. Mr. Dean asked what the access was for, and Ruth Owen said it's for emergency vehicles. Mike Frazier said the architect provided two options, and the Library Board preferred the one with a sunken garden. The library owns the Sinnett House, and when moved, it will be used for offices for non-profit organizations.Mr. Heim said they asked for a 13' driveway. How does this compare with other driveways? Mr. Strayer said it's larger, but the fire trucks need this width based on turning radii. Ms. Owen said they will remove the doctor's office and the front entry and the kitchen. A door on the side is the original entrance. The doctor's office and kitchen were added later. They are trying to be historically accurate. The step will be in the same position as the Pyle step is now. The reason to save Sinnett House is that the woman who donated the building and the land wanted it for a senior center. They wanted to appease a number of different opinions and finally decided the library will have to save it. They have the desire but not the wherewithal to move the house. They could rent some of the space and still be receptive of the gift of the house. There will be a side entrance. Ms. Knox thought the library was the best one she has ever been in and thinks what they are doing is exceptional.

MS. KNOX MOVED TO APPROVE THE VARIANCE APPLICATION FOR 04-035. MR. HEIM SECONDED, AND MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

A. That special circumstances or conditions exist which are peculiar to the land or structure(s) involved and which are not applicable to other lands or structures in the same zoning district. This is a very narrow lot. The library feels this is the only way they can expand.B. That a literal interpretation of the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance would deprive the applicants of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same zoning district under the provisions of this Ordinance. A literal interpretation would not allow for a driveway that connects to the properties owned by the applicant. Moving the driveway makes it functional.C. That the special conditions and circumstances do not result from the actions of the applicant. N/AD. That the granting the variance will not confer on the applicant any undue privilege that is denied by this Ordinance to other lands or structures in the same zoning district. It would not.E. That the granting of the variance will in no other manner adversely affect the health, safety, and general welfare of the persons residing or working within the posed variance. It would not do so.

MS. LUCIER MOVED TO APPROVE THE FINDING OF FACT FOR 04-035 BASED ON A AND E OF THE CRITERIA FOR VARIANCE. MR. HEIM SECONDED, AND MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. . Next Meetings: May 13 and June 10